Last week I attended the St. Elizabeth Parish Council monthly meeting and was surprised when a large quantity of Appleton's Rum was consumed. Nothing beats a little afternoon rum and ginger beer at work I say. Apparently it's a Jamaican Christmas tradition for the councillors to have drinks at the meeting prior to Christmas. Sadly I did not partake, as I was trying to be on my best behaviour. I did however find it highly entertaining to be at a council meeting, discussing community and political issues surrounded
by cheerful rum drinkers (because of course,
when drinking at work one can’t help but be cheerful).
I love all-things Christmas. I’m a Christmas fanatic one could say. It’s a bit of a weakness of mine, and the thought of missing Christmas was one of my initial hesitations about taking a job in another country. Not to worry though, I’ve got a flight booked for next week, and will have a white Christmas after all. I’m not quite sure what I expected, but when I pictured a Caribbean country, I didn’t picture Christmas trees, lights or music. However, December 1st came around and lights began showing up on houses and storefronts in town. Apparently most people decorate a fake tree at home. I recently heard that real trees are becoming more popular though, with the occasional tree farm even sprouting up here and there.
Jamaican’s tend to use music as a focal point for celebration, and Christmas is no exception. I’ve heard countless reggae versions of Christmas songs and last week there was a Christmas reggae party/concert happening down the street from where I live in the parking lot of a department store. This week there is the annual Christmas tree lighting in downtown Black River with performances by the Black River High school Choir and a bunch of other local groups. No doubt it will be a reggae Christmas celebration of immense proportions.